title: Nasal tactile sensitivity in allergic rhinitis.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary data show a decrease in nasal tactile sensitivity and point out interesting aspects of the nasal chronic inflammatory condition in allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of allergic rhinitis on nasal tactile sensitivity during the intercritical period.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 70 patients aged between 18 and 67 years (average 42 years), with a positive history of allergy caused by seasonal outdoor allergens, were included (group A). Patient outcome was assessed by the nasal monofilament test: a set of 20 Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments was used to detect nasal sensitivity for both nasal cavities. The sensitivity threshold was recorded as the minimum monofilament size with which patients could detect at least two of three stimuli.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When compared to the control group (group B), subjects in group A required a significantly (p < 0.05) higher stimulus to trigger a touch response in the monofilament test, for both the inferior (195.1 ± 0.39 mg vs 67.7 ± 0.19 mg) and middle turbinate (108.7 ± 0.23 mg vs 67.7 ± 0.19 mg).
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University of Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco Antonio
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Salzano
authors.forename: Renzo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mora
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Penco
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Traverso
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaggero
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salzano
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guastini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000294:innervation; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012016:Reference Values; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014420:Turbinates / Q000294:innervation; D055815:Young Adult